A group travel planner coordinates the trip plans of a large group. Most travel agents work for firms, but a small percentage operate as self-employed planners. Aside from a high school diploma and good communication skills, there are few formal education requirements. The median annual pay in 2010 was $31,870 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Selling

Group travel planners are often first and foremost salespeople. They only earn income for their companies if they persuade prospects to use their services to arrange for transportation, lodging and entertainment activities. Planners normally receive calls from people looking for services or call on leads acquired through other means. The goal is to sell the value of using an experienced travel planner versus trying to make arrangements for yourself.

Advise

Closely related to their duties as salespeople, group travel planners also function as consultants to prospects and customers. This begins with advice on possible destinations based on weather, the time of year and conditions in different parts of the world. Planners also advise patrons on the possible attractions they could visit if they go to a particular part of the world. In some cases, travel planners may actually work in a consulting role for pay as opposed to providing full service travel planning.

Make Arrangements

The most involved group travel planning services include making arrangements for guest transportation. This begins from departure all the way through arrival back home. In the destination location, the planner arranges for the mode of transportation, plans the step-by-step itinerary, makes lodging reservations and buys tickets for all guests to entertainment locations. The ability to make effective travel arrangements is a make-or-break responsibility for group travel planners since it greatly effects the experience of the group members.

Budgeting and Payments

A key responsibility of a travel planner to both the customer and his employer is budgeting and payment collection. Along with arranging plans, the agent must work with the client to understand the groups budget. When he prepares a trip itinerary, he presents this to the client and breakdown the proposed cost and payment schedule. From the employer's side, he is responsible for collecting any deposits and invoicing the client to collect any balances due by the prescribed deadline. He must also issue payments on behalf of the client, as necessary, to lodging, transportation and entertainment companies.